It's time to tackle the inevitable...creating your own personal advertisement. Resume writing may not be on your list of favorite things to do, but perhaps we can help you generate a little enthusiasm for creating this effective marketing tool. That's what we're here for...to help you stand out amongst hundreds, or even thousands, of competing resumes.

Here's how to generate a better response from prospective employers:

Customize your resume — If you are sending out the same resume to every job you're applying for, you need to stop. Your resume should speak to each hiring manager directly and should be customized accordingly.

Focus on the hiring managers needs, not yours — Write your resume to appeal directly to the employer by placing special emphasis on abilities of yours that would be important to him or her. If you're not sure, gather hints from the ad, ask someone else in the company or in the same field. You need to address their real needs in order to get noticed.

Have a clear objective — this will make you appear certain about your career direction. The message should convey that you want the job they are offering, and you are the perfect candidate because you possess the qualities they are looking for.

Pay attention to details — Take the time to proofread for spelling and grammar errors. Be sure to include any and all information that the hiring manager asks for, such as whom to address the cover letter to, whether or not to include salary information, references or writing samples.

Experience — List jobs in reverse chronological order and with more detail on your most recent, relevant jobs. Be sure to include military service, internships and major volunteer roles if applicable.

Education — List education in reverse chronological order, beginning with degrees or licenses and ending with certificates and advanced training. You may include grade-point average if it is over 3.4. If you are working on completing a degree, you should include it with an expected completion date.

Awards — List any awards that you received, with a brief description of what the award was for, e.g., "for outstanding performance." Awards received in school should be included in the Education section.

Professional and Community Memberships — This is where you would include current and impressive affiliations that would enhance your appeal as a prospective employee.